How can I learn to become a Beautician?

Beauticians generally attend vocational cosmetology school. Training often lasts 9-24 months and involves hands-on practice in hairdressing, skincare techniques, and other beautician specialties. Training for barbers and hairdressers may take significantly longer than that for manicurists and skin care specialists. Some beauticians take on apprenticeship positions after school that may last 1-3 years.

All states require beauticians to be licensed with the exception of shampooers and makeup artists. Licensing requirements vary by state and one generally must be certified in their own state to practice cosmetology. Certain states require a high school diploma or GED in order to become licensed. Typically, one must have completed a state approved training program and be over the age of 16 in order to gain certification. Licensing exams generally consist of a written test and a practical evaluation of the cosmetology specialty (hairdressing, skincare, manicure, etc.). Separate licenses are often required for different cosmetology practices.

It is important for beauticians to be informed in new products, techniques, and trends to be successful. Beauticians commonly attend workshops, training programs, and product shows regularly to maintain a current knowledge in the field.

What does a Beautician do?

Beautician work with clients' personal appearance needs in a variety of specialties. Beauticians generally work in a salon and practice one specialty, although some beauticians are licensed to practice in several areas of the field.

A hair stylist, or hairdresser, specializes in the cutting, coloring, chemical treating, and styling of hair. Hair dressers often work with both males and females and may have a regular clientele that they work for on a recurring basis. Product sales are often an important responsibility for hair stylists. Some hairdressers also manage the scheduling and finances of the salon, taking appointments and managing income. Hairdressers may also shampoo their clients hair and work to maintain the workplace by sweeping and cleaning. Some salons employ shampoo technicians as well. Shampooers are often trained and paid less than hairdressers and are responsible for washing clients hair and maintaining a clean workplace.

Manicurists, or nail technicians specialize in the care of hands and feet. Manicurists provide nail care by shaping, coloring, and embellishing fingernails and toenails. Manicurists regularly apply acrylic or gels nails for clients as well as perform massage and skin care for hands and feet. Manicurists are commonly responsible for the same salon maintenance as hairdressers, with sanitation of the workplace and tools being of the utmost importance. To reduce exposure to product chemicals, manicurists work in well-ventilated buildings and wear face masks.

Estheticians practice skin care and perform services such as facials, hair removal, microdermabrasion, and body wraps. Estheticians may work in beauty salons, health spas, or doctor's offices. Estheticians that work in medical settings may provide more intensive skin treatments, such as deep chemical peels.

Make-up artists may work in retail shops, spas and salons, or in the television and entertainment industry. Make-up artists in retail and salons often try to sell products by demonstration proper application to potential clients. Those in the entertainment field often prepare clients for movie and television appearances. Some make-up artists work for individual clients and may travel to meet client needs.

Beauticians of all specialties frequently work 40 or more hours per week although many beauticians work part-time schedules. Evenings, lunch hours, and weekends are often the busiest work times for beauticians to accommodate clients.

What skills would I need to become a successful Beautician?

Beauticians must have strong communication and people skills to attract and maintain clients. Organizational skills are important in workplace maintenance and good sales skills are often necessary for a lucrative career.

Almost half of the beauticians in the country are self-employed and either owns a salon or rent space in a salon or spa.

How much does a Beautician make?

Median hourly wages for beauticians is $10.25, with the middle 50 percent earning between $7.92 and $13.75. Earnings include tips and commission on product sales, which often make up a significant portion of a beauticians salary. Income varies with specialty and location, with beauticians in big cities generally enjoying higher salaries than those in small towns and suburbs. Beauticians that specialize in skin care often earn more than hairdressers and manicurists.

Beauticians do not typically receive health benefits or paid vacations.

Who are some influential professionals in the Beautician field?

Madame C.J. Walker, was an American businesswoman who made her fortune from hair and skin care products marketed specifically toward African-Americans in the early 1900s.

Paul Mitchell was an influential hairdresser, who founded John Paul Mitchell Systems, a famous hair care product company.

What professional organizations are available to Beauticians?

The Barbers and Beauticians Union came from the older group Journeymen Barbers' Protective Union, which helped in founding the American Federation of Labor (AFL) in 1886. The group was renamed at one point, becoming the Barbers, Beauticians, and Allied Industries International Association, and helped place pressure on OSHA to make working conditions safer for beauticians and barbers.

Where are the best locations for professional Beauticians?

Employment for beauticians is expected to grow slightly faster than the average for all occupations in the near future. Job prospects will vary by area and specialty. Employment of nail technicians and estheticians should grow considerably more than that of hairdressers. Positions for beauticians in high- end salons are expected to be quite competitive.

Phoenix, Arizona is the top city in the United States for Beauticians, with Wichita, Kansas coming in second and New York City coming in at third place.

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